While fame is always admired by everyone, it can prove to be quite a struggle. There is always a mountain to climb, and there is always a rock to break. People expect great things of you. It is not an easy life to live. That struggle faces Eliot, a warrior and solider in thirteenth-century Britain, as he begins to achieve greatness. He encounters the rigors of life and still manages to stand upright in the face of trials and tribulations. What a glorious honour for a mighty man of valour!

"Gritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus—and ancient Rome—to vivid, colorful life."—Steven Pressfield, author of Gates of Fire Sink your teeth into the gritty, powerful tale of Spartacus: The Gladiator, a historical thriller that will grip you from the first page to the very last. Written by bestselling novelist Ben Kane, this epic journey delves into the life of Spartacus—from Roman auxiliary and slave to revered gladiator and a symbol of defiance against the most potent army of the era. Step onto the unforgiving sands of the gladiatorial arena and experience the brutality and raw energy of combat at its most primal. Witness the audacious bid for freedom led by Spartacus and his band of gladiators as they risk everything to break free from their shackles and challenge their oppressors–the mighty, ever-expanding Roman Empire. Spartacus's tale isn’t just a story of rebellion; it's an exploration of humanity, resilience, love, and sacrifice, set against the historic grandeur of ancient Rome. Charged with emotion and vivid color, this novel will transport you back in time to the underbelly of the Roman Empire—a journey that’s as thrilling as it is enlightening. Enjoy a fresh perspective of the legend that is Spartacus, one that goes deeper than ever before, uncovering the man at the heart of the myth.

The wizard king has returned. The mercenaries have scattered. Cadrith Elanis has returned to Tralodren, picking up where he left off centuries before. And while Cadrissa isn't sure how she fits into his plans, her abduction has left her with little hope of escape. Meanwhile, the other mercenaries have scattered. They did their job, received their pay, and now just want to live their lives. But events start pulling them back to each other for something grander than their own imaginations and fears can envision. But that's just the start of still more revelations and trials to come. Dark ambitions, ancient schemes, and hidden fates fill this second volume of the Wizard King Trilogy, returning readers to a world rich in history, faith, and tales of adventure--of which this story is but one of many. “Complex mysteries and veiled power struggles lie at the core of this exciting fantasy adventure . . . An adventurous read, highly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review “. . . a book with incredible worldbuilding; characters with complex, relatable real-world anxieties and struggles; and various religions and histories that make you want to know more.”—Geek'd Out

Mr Benn always visits a costume shop, chooses a costume and goes through a special door. Then, as if by magic, he can travel to the era represented by the costume. This time he choosesa gladiator costume . . . and he is transported to Ancient Rome. But he has forgotten that gladiators fought one another. When the Emperor spots Mr Benn, he has him carried off to the arena. The worried gladiators there explain that they must fight, even though fighting is wrong. Will it be thumbs down for the alternative entertainment Mr Benn proposes?

The acclaimed author continues his epic tale of Ancient Roman intrigue in the tumultuous third-century in this sequel to Fire in the East. Born a Barbarian, Marcus Clodius Ballista rises through the ranks of the Roman army to become defender of the Empire’s eastern border. But when treachery causes him to lose the city of Arete, Ballista finds himself in retreat from the Persian Sassanid forces—and out of favor among the senators at home. As the imperial court grows increasingly concerned about religious fanaticism, the aging emperor Valerian once again calls on Ballista to defend the empire, this time sending him to the far-off port city of Ephesus. There, Ballista is charged with crushing a troublesome Christian sect. Renowned for their skilled blending of action and historical accuracy, Sidebottom's Warrior of Rome novels take the reader from the shouts of the battlefield to the whisperings of the emperor's inner circle. Endnotes and an extensive bibliography reveal the fascinating research and scholarship brought to life in this exciting tale.

The official illustrated companion book to the winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Costume Design, Sound, and Visual Effects. Director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise, Alien) brings the glorious battles of the ancient Roman arena back to the big screen. Set against the splendor and barbarity of the Roman Empire in AD 180, Gladiator tells an epic story of courage and revenge: The great Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) has been forced into exile and slavery by the jealous heir to the throne, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Trained as a gladiator, Maximus returns to Rome, intent on avenging the murder of his family by Commodus, now emperor. The one power stronger than that of the emperor is the will of the people, and Maximus knows he can attain his revenge only by becoming the greatest hero in all the Empire. Russell Crowe heads up an international cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, and Richard Harris. Directed by Ridley Scott from a script by David Franzoni and John Logan, Gladiator is produced by Franzoni, Douglas Wick, and Branko Lustig, with Walter F. Parkes serving as executive producer. This is the official full-color companion book, featuring excerpts from the screenplay, historical sidebars and illustrations, details on period costumes and epic set designs, behind-the-scenes photographs from the location filming, and interviews with the screenwriters, actors, and director.